Do fans want all this scoring?
Or does it not really matter in creating compelling games?
Good morning. Let’s basketball.
Luxe, Calme et Volupté; Henri Matisse; 1904
On Wednesday, ten out of the 24 teams that played scored at least 130 points. The average score across 12 games was 125-119. Six teams are poised to exceed the existing mark for the most efficient offense of all-time, set last year. Steve Kerr recently lamented the lack of an ability to play physical defense in the modern NBA. (This lament was made in service of complaining about an opponent getting a bunch of free throws.)
Meanwhile, T.V. ratings are not exactly booming during this latest scoring boom, though there are myriad factors that play into that, including generational shifts on how sports (among other content) are consumed.
It makes me wonder if we really know anything about what fans like to watch. My prior is that fans like these aspects, in this general order, at least when it comes to pro basketball:
- Games with high stakes
- Close, compelling competition
- Huge megastars and/or the Lakers
Things that are hyped
